Researchers claim that air pollution may cause individuals to be more vulnerable to acquiring COVID-19 because the air pollution particles are able to carry the virus, allowing it to be easier for the virus to be transmitted from person to person. Furthermore, researchers also claim that air pollution weakens one’s immune system, which is responsible for fighting infections. A study shows that an increase of 1 microgram per cubic meter was associated with an 8% increase in COVID-19 related deaths. 

Air Pollution and its relation to COVID-19

The safety level of one’s neighborhood plays a significant role in one’s health. High-poverty neighborhoods are more likely to have higher crime rates, which may cause harm to one’s health. Furthermore, if a neighborhood has a sufficient amount of green space, its community members are more likely to use this space to exercise and do other outdoor activities. High-poverty neighborhoods tend to have less green space, which may prevent its residents from participating in outdoor recreational activities. 

Safety and availability of green space

Many low-income families tend to live in poor quality public housing. According to a study, public housing was usually found to be infested with cockroaches, mice, and vermin. The study also found mold, lack of air conditioning, and tobacco smoke to be common in public housing. According to this study, 22% of children who lived in public housing were diagnosed with asthma, while 7% of children who lived in single-family homes were diagnosed with asthma. 

Housing conditions and health 

The environmental conditions of one’s neighborhood and residential building affect one’s health in many ways. Environmental conditions include air and water quality, pollution, housing, and one’s access to green space.  

Saint Louis University

- Access to healthy foods
- Environmental conditions of neighborhood

Neighborhood and Built Environment as a Social Determinant of Health

Singu S, Acharya A, Challagundla K and Byrareddy SN. (2020). Impact of
Social Determinants of Health on the Emerging COVID-19 Pandemic in the
United States. Frontiers in Public Health 8:406.
doi: 10.3389/fpubh.2020.00406
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7385373/

Impact of Social Determinants of Health on the Emerging COVID-19 Pandemic in the United States

Eating the right kinds of food plays a major role in an individual’s health. Eating healthy foods is correlated with a lower risk of developing chronic health conditions. Therefore, factors that prevent one’s access to healthy foods is a barrier to good health. Barriers to healthy foods include transportation, food deserts, and income. For example, not having access to transportation to get to the grocery store represents a barrier when it comes to access to healthy foods. 

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